Dominical & Uvita

Dominical & Uvita

Between Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninsula‘s northern edge, the coastal highway connects a string of sleepy beach towns. Locally known as Costa Ballena, the “Whale Coast” is visited by migrating Humpbacks twice annually: December through April and July through October.

The Marino Ballena National Park protects 272 acres of coastline and 13 acres of marine habitat for Humpbacks and Bottle-nosed dolphins. Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles nest here from May to November.

The largest coral reef of the Central American Pacific Coast curves around the Three Sisters islands, supporting five types of coral, eels, sponges, and colorful fish. Snorkel and dive trips are available.

About an hour’s drive inland, Chirripó National Park can be visited as a full-day trip from Dominical during the December to March dry season. The park’s centerpiece is the 12,530-foot Cerro Chirripó. Both oceans can be viewed from its summit. The surrounding Talamanca Mountains are home to monkeys, tapirs, pumas, more than 400 species of birds (including quetzals), and more than 260 reptile and amphibian species.

Our Favorite Hotels

What to do in Dominical & Uvita

Activities in Costa Rica extend over land and sea. The towns of Dominical and Uvita are perfect bases for:

• Surfing
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Hiking
• Rafting
• Sailing
• Dolphin- and Whale-Watching Trips

Dominical’s beaches are prime surf territory, with left and right breaks for all levels of ability. Local surf schools offer lessons to get you on a board or take you to the next level.

Full-day trips to Chirripó National Park, Corcovado National Park, Caño Island, and the Nauyaca Waterfalls can also be arranged from Dominical.

What is the Weather Like?

Costa Rica is located in the tropics and close to the equator and is considered a rainforest country with warm temperatures being characteristic throughout the year. There are two well-defined seasons:

Dry Season: December – April
Green Season: May – November

The dry season features sunny and warm days. The wet season, or green season, has late afternoon showers which bring welcomed cooler nights. The months of September and October are the wettest, with cloudier days but generally sunny mornings. Temperatures range between the high 80s and lows around the low 70s.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

The Dominical/Uvita region is located approximately four hours by car from San Jose. Uvita and Dominical are approximately 20 minutes from each other.

From Manuel Antonio, it is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive. Short regional flights connect San Jose and Manuel Antonio to several domestic airfields. LANDED can cut travel times in Costa Rica with private charter flights.

For domestic flights within Costa Rica, you will most likely be traveling on a small aircraft which imposes weight restrictions on luggage, typically 25 pounds per person.

Start your journey today